Hostage Standoff in Eau Claire Ends with Arrest

A gunman who broke into a home in Eau Claire and held five people hostage has been arrested following a long standoff.

Police negotiators talked the gunman into releasing three children and two adults one by one. After seven hours, officers arrested the man about 8 p.m. Wednesday.

WQOW-TV says the man broke into the town home after fleeing from a gas station in Dunn County without paying for his gas. An Eau Claire officer spotted the vehicle, which sped away. The 31-year-old suspect then fled on foot and broke into the hostages' home Wednesday afternoon. Nearby businesses were told to lock down, including Phillips Plastics and Xcel Energy.

Police say the suspect has a lengthy criminal record, including resisting arrest and armed robberies. He's in the Eau Claire County Jail.

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